The Benjamin Porter House, a stately, historic Federal style house located near the entrance to The Highlands campus, is currently undergoing a renovation and transformation. When completed there will be a total of eight new or renovated luxurious apartment homes.

Samuel Melcher III, a renowned New England housewright, built the original mansion on the property in 1802. At one time it was owned by William King, the first governor of the state of Maine.  For years, it was used as a private boarding school for young ladies, until it eventually became a private residence. The house has been modified over the years but retains many of the original features, including fine interior carved moldings, pumpkin pine hardwood floors, fireplaces, and wainscoting.

As part of our Historic Retirement living option, the Benjamin Porter House is the perfect answer for someone who wants the special pride of living in a 200-year-old home without dealing with the upkeep.  Included in a monthly fee is the maintenance inside and out, as well as snow removal, trash removal, insurance, property taxes, water, heat and electricity.  Residents who buy an apartment at the Benjamin Porter House through a co-op purchase have access to all The Highlands' amenities, including the award-winning fitness programs, indoor heated pool, fine restaurant-style dining, and the nearby Highland Green golf club and hiking trails.